Chapter 1: The Unseen Influence of Your Phone

Imagine a world where you're never truly alone, yet your every move is predictable. While smartphones are undoubtedly useful, they can also raise unsettling questions about privacy. By tapping into your curiosity regarding technology and privacy, you can better understand the trade-offs of modern convenience. This exploration is inspired by a segment from The Book of What If...? titled "What if Your Phone Always Knew Where You Were?"

What if there existed a non-human entity that was always aware of your location? Sure, your smartphone can provide timely alerts based on your geolocation. For instance, if your favorite band is performing nearby, your phone might notify you. Similarly, a local ice cream shop could offer promotions to those in proximity.

On the flip side, this capability can be alarming. It's important to recognize that any system not governed by physical laws can be vulnerable to hacking. This means that anyone—from hackers to family members—could potentially track your movements.

Curiosity-Based Thinking Questions

• What is one measure you'd be willing to pay any price to avoid hacking?
• What special offers would you appreciate receiving when near a store?
• If geolocation could track any item in the world, what would you want to locate, and what would you call it? For example, “cerebrumlocation” could help you find thoughts in your mind.

Curiosity-Based Activity: A Thought Experiment

What if your phone could anticipate your next destination? These so-called "smart" phones are adept at predicting your behavior. As they gather data about your preferences—what you buy, watch, and where you frequent—they become increasingly skilled at forecasting your next moves.

“Wait, how does my phone know where I’m headed? It lacks a brain,” you may wonder. You're right; it doesn't have a brain, but it does possess a form of intelligence. Every interaction you have with it feeds it information about your habits. Through data mining, it identifies patterns and makes predictions. For example, if you consistently drive to school at the same hour, your phone might start informing you about traffic conditions or alerting you about your favorite restaurant's busyness, thanks to real-time data from other users.

Curiosity-Based Thinking Questions

• Before you panic about the patterns your phone is recognizing, consider how many routines you follow regularly.
• Knowing that your phone tracks your habits, would you prefer to shake things up to confuse it or assist it in improving your daily life?
• Is your phone merely smart, or is it also curious? Would you want it to be?
• Does your own curiosity make your actions more predictable or less so?

Chapter 2: The Expansive Role of Location Technology

To delve deeper into how technology can enhance our understanding of location, we can look to Amber Case, a Cyborg Anthropologist. She has a deep-rooted fascination with how technology connects information on the web to physical spaces. This connection can enhance social interactions, improve logistics, or even facilitate navigation for various modes of transport.

“There are countless planes, trains, and ships out there. If they don’t know their locations, they could be in serious danger. Early location technologies, like the compass, helped prevent sailors from getting lost in treacherous waters. Today, these technologies ensure timely deliveries and help avoid disasters,” said Case in an interview.

Hackers are all about curiosity, and security is just a feeling | Chris Nickerson | TEDxFultonStreet - YouTube

Curiosity-Based Empathy

• Imagine living during the invention of the compass. What fears might people have had about this new technology?
• Reflect on a recent technological advancement that initially worried you. How could it ultimately prove beneficial over time?

Curiosity Technical Corner

Have you ever wondered how GPS operates? Your phone's GPS receiver detects signals from satellites—over twenty-five of them—orbiting the Earth. These satellites are synchronized, meaning they share the same time. The time it takes for signals to reach your phone varies slightly based on their position. Your device then uses advanced mathematics to triangulate your location.

OSINT: You can't hide // Your privacy is dead // Best resources to get started - YouTube

Bonus Curiosity-Based Activity: Mapping Your Movements

Print a local map that includes your usual hangouts. For a week, mark your location every hour with a dot and a number. For example, where you are at 1 PM gets a dot labeled '1'. Continue this process throughout the week, even if you miss a few hours. Once complete, overlay tracing paper and connect the dots. This exercise will create a unique piece of art reflecting your week.

Stay curious with What If Curiosity, as we continue to explore how Curiosity-Based Thinking can lead to new discoveries and innovations.